Method, device, and computer program for determining a range to a target

ABSTRACT

A method, device, and computer program for determining range to a target is disclosed. Specifically, the invention provides a method, device and computer program for determining a second range to a target based on a first range to the target and an angle to the target such that the parabolic trajectory of a projectile is accounted for in determining the second range. The device generally includes a range sensor for determining a first range to a target, a tilt sensor for determining an angle to the target, and a computing element for determining a second range to the target based on the first range and the determined angle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method, device, and computer programfor determining a range to a target. More particularly, the inventionrelates to a method, device, and computer program for determining asecond range to a target based on a first range and an angle to thetarget such that the parabolic trajectory of a projectile is accountedfor in determining the second range.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is often desirable to determine accurate ranges to targets in varioussituations. For example, golfers utilize a range to a target, such as arange to a green or a pin positioned on the green, in determining clubselection. Conventional devices have been developed to determine rangesto targets. However, these conventional devices determine ranges whichonly represent a straight-line distance to a target and which fail toaccount for the parabolic trajectory of projectiles, such as a golfball, intended for the target. As a result, these conventional devicesgenerate inaccurate results if a target is positioned above or below thedevice. For instance, if a target is positioned above a device, aprojectile originating at the device, such as a struck golf ball, mustbe struck to travel a greater distance to reach the target than if thetarget was not positioned above the device due to the parabolictrajectory of the golf ball. Similarly, if a target is positioned belowa device, a projectile originating at the device must be struck totravel a lesser distance to intersect the target than if the target wasnot positioned below the device. Conventional devices are unable toaccount for this increase or decrease in distance to a target caused bythe trajectory of the projectile and the angle to the target.

As individuals often determine ranges to targets while outdoors onterrains of varying slopes, such as a golfer on a golf course, theinaccurate results generated by conventional range determining devicessubstantially inhibit the use of the devices and negate many beneficialaspects of the devices. For instance, a golfer is unlikely to utilize arange finding device which provides inaccurate yardage measurements oversloping terrain and thus is forced to use multiple devices to determinea single accurate range or manually estimate or guess at the correctyardage based on the determined range. Such use of estimations andmultiple devices results in undesirable inconvenience and inaccuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides adistinct advance in the art of determining ranges to targets or otherobjects. More particularly, the invention provides a method, device, andcomputer program for determining a second range to a target based on afirst range and an angle to the target such that the parabolictrajectory of a projectile is accounted for in determining the secondrange.

In one embodiment, the present invention concerns a device fordetermining a range to a target. The device includes a range sensor fordetermining a first range to the target, a tilt sensor for determiningan angle to the target, and a computing element for determining a secondrange to the target based on the first range and the determined angle.

In another embodiment, the device includes a laser range sensor fordetermining a first range to the target, a tilt sensor for determiningan angle to the target relative to the device based on the orientationof the device, a computing element for determining a second range to thetarget by adjusting the first range by a factor corresponding to thedetermined angle, and a display for indicating relevant informationincluding the first range and/or the second range.

In a further embodiment, the present invention concerns a computerprogram comprising a combination of code segments stored in acomputer-readable memory and executable by a computing element. Thecomputer program includes a code segment operable to determine a firstrange to a target based on a first input, a code segment operable todetermine an angle to the target relative to the device based on asecond input, and a code segment operable to determine a second range tothe target by adjusting the first range by a factor corresponding to thedetermined angle.

In a still further embodiment, the present invention concerns a methodfor utilizing a portable electronic device to determine a range to atarget. The method includes determining a first range from the device tothe target with a laser range sensor, determining an angle to the targetrelative to the device with a tilt sensor, determining a second range tothe target by adjusting the first range by a factor corresponding to thedetermined angle, and indicating the first range, the angle, and/or thesecond range.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments andthe accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detailbelow with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing various components of a deviceconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first range to a target and atrajectory to the first target;

FIG. 4 a is a diagram illustrating a second range and trajectory to thetarget of FIG. 4 when the target is elevated;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an angle to an elevated target relativeto the device;

FIG. 6 is a table presenting examples of the multipliers utilized by thepresent invention to calculate factors;

FIG. 7 is a table presenting examples of the second ranges determined byutilizing some of the factors calculated with the multipliers presentedin FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a target observed while looking throughthe device which indicates the first range, the determined angle, thesecond range, and a recommended change in club length.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawing figures, and particularly FIGS. 1–3, a device10 is shown constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The device 10 broadly includes: a range sensor 12 fordetermining a first range to a target T; a tilt sensor 14 fordetermining an angle θ to the target T; a computing element 16 coupledwith the range sensor 12 and tilt sensor 14 for determining a secondrange to the target T based on the first range and the determined angleθ; a memory 18 for storing data such as a computer program to controlthe functionality of the device 10; and a portable handheld housing 20for housing the range sensor 12, the tilt sensor 14, the computingelement 16, the memory 18, and other components described below.

The computer program controls input and operation of the device 10. Thecomputer program includes at least one code segment stored in or on acomputer-readable medium residing on or accessible by the device 10 forinstructing the range sensor 12, tilt sensor 14, computing element 16,and any other related components to operate in the manner describedherein. The computer program is preferably stored within the memory 18and comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions forimplementing logical functions in the device 10. However, the computerprogram may comprise programs and methods for implementing functions inthe device 10 which are not an ordered listing, such as hard-wiredelectronic components, programmable logic such as filed-programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits, or othersimilar or conventional methods for controlling the operation ofelectrical or other computing devices.

Similarly, the computer program may be embodied in any computer-readablemedium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system,processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch theinstructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice, and execute the instructions. The computer-readable medium mayeven be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program isprinted, as the program can be electronically captured, via forinstance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled,interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary,and then stored in a computer memory.

The device 10 and computer program illustrated and described herein aremerely examples of a device and a program that may be used to implementthe present invention and may be replaced with other devices andprograms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1–5, the range sensor 14 is operable to determine thefirst range to the target T from the device 10. The range sensor 14 maybe any conventional sensor or device for determining range. The firstrange preferably represents a length of an imaginary line drawn betweenthe device 20 and the target T, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, such as thenumber of feet, meters, yards, miles, etc, directly between the device10 and the target T. The first range may also represent other units ofmeasurements, such as an estimated golf club length required to reachthe target T.

Preferably, the range sensor 14 is a laser range sensor which determinesthe first range to the target by directing a laser beam at the target T,detecting a reflection of the laser beam, measuring the time requiredfor the laser beam to reach the target and return to the range sensor14, and calculating the first range of the target T from the rangesensor 14 based on the measured time. Thus, the range sensor 14 mayinclude an emitter and a detector to emit the laser beam and then detectthe reflection of the laser beam in a generally conventional manner.

The range sensor 14 is operable to determine a range to a target evenwhen objects, such as trees, people, vehicles, foliage, etc, arepositioned between the device and the target. As a result, the rangesensor 14 may determine the first range to the target T in a variety ofsituations, including on golf courses and other outdoor situations wherevarious trees and/or other foliage may obstruct a direct view of thetarget T.

The range sensor 14 may also include memory and processing capabilitiesseparate from the computing element 16 and memory 18, such that therange sensor is operable to determine the range to the target T withoutthe assistance of additional components. However, the range sensor 14may rely upon the capabilities provided by the computing element 16 andmemory 18 to specifically calculate and determine the first range. Therange sensor 14 may alternatively or additionally include other rangesensing components, such as conventional optical, radio, sonar, orvisual range sensing devices to determine the first range in asubstantially conventional manner.

The range sensor 14 may be specifically configured for use with aspecific type of target. For instance, the target T may be a portion ofa golf course, such as a green or a pin positioned on the green, asdescribed below in detail, and the range sensor 14 may be specificallyconfigured to more accurately determine the first range based on thecharacteristics of the desired and known target. For example, the rangesensor 14 may emit a laser beam having a specific wavelength orintensity to reflect off the target T in an anticipated and desiredmanner due to the characteristics of the desired target, such as acolored pin or a reflective flag positioned on the pin. Thus, theaccuracy of the determined first range may be increased by specificallyconfiguring the range sensor 14 utilizing the anticipated and desiredreflection characteristics of the known target T.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 4 a, and 5, the tilt sensor is operable todetermine the angle θ to the target T from the device 10 relative to thehorizontal. Thus, if the device 10 and the target T are both positionedon a flat surface having no slope, the angle θ would be zero. If thedevice 10 is positioned below the target T, as shown in FIG. 4 a, theslope between the device 10 and the target T is positive, the angle θwould be positive. Conversely, if the device 10 is positioned above thetarget T, such that the slope between the device 10 and the target T isnegative, the angle θ would be negative. It will be appreciated that theangle θ is not dependent upon the specific contours of the ground orsurface or surfaces between the device 10 and the target T, but ratherthe angle θ is preferably determined based on the orientation of thedevice 10, as described below.

The tilt sensor 14 preferably determines the angle θ by sensing theorientation of the device 10 relative to the target T and thehorizontal. The orientation of the device 10 changes based on therelative position of the target T to the device 10, as a user of thedevice 10 aligns the device 10 with the target T and views the target Tthrough an eyepiece 22 and an opposed lens 24, as described in moredetail below. Thus, the orientation of a device, specifically the tiltof the device 10 along its longitudinal axis relative to the horizontal,indicates if the target T is above or below the device 10. For example,if the target T is above the device 10, the user of the device 10 wouldtilt the device 10 such that a distal end 26 of the device 10 would beraised relative to a proximate end 28 of the device 10 and thehorizontal. Similarly, if the target T is below the device 10, the userof the device 10 would tilt the device 10 such that the distal end 26 ofthe device 10 would be lowered relative to the proximate end 28 of thedevice and the horizontal. The tilt sensor 14 preferably determines theangle θ of the target to the device 10 based on the amount of tilt, thatis the amount the proximate end 28 is raised or lowered relative to thedistal end 26, as described below.

The tilt sensor 14 may determine the tilt of the device, and thus theangle θ, through various orientation determining means. For instance,the tilt sensor 14 may utilize one or more single-axis or multiple-axismagnetic tilt sensors to detect the strength of a magnetic field aroundthe device 10 or tilt sensor 14 and then determine the tilt of thedevice 10 and the angle θ accordingly. The tilt sensor 14 may determinethe tilt of the device using other or additional conventionalorientation determine means, including mechanical means, chemical means,gyroscopic means, and/or electronic means, such as a resistivepotentiometer. Preferably, the tilt sensor 14 is an electronicinclinometer, such as a clinometer, operable to determine both theincline and decline of the device 10 such that the angle θ may bedetermined based on the amount of incline or decline. Thus, as thedevice 10 is aligned with the target T by the user, the device 10 may betilted such that its proximate end 28 is higher or lower than the distalend 26, and the tilt sensor 16 will detect the amount of tilt which isindicative of the angle θ.

The computing element 16 may be a conventional microprocessor,microcontroller, or other electrical element or combination of elements,such as a single integrated circuit housed in a single package, multipleintegrated circuits housed in single or multiple packages, or any othercombination. Similarly, the computing element 16 may be any elementwhich is operable to determine the second range from the first range andangle θ as described below. Thus, the computing element 16 is notlimited to conventional microprocessor or microcontroller elements andmay include any element which is operable to perform the functionsdescribed below.

The computing element 16 is coupled with the range sensor 14 and thetilt sensor 16 to determine the second range to the target T based onthe first range and the determined angle θ. The second range may bedetermined statically such that the second range is determined only atdesired intervals or upon input by the user. Conversely, the secondrange may be dynamically determined such that the second range may becontinuously updated as new first ranges or angles or provided. Thus,the second range may be accurately determined for moving targets, suchas a hunted animal, as the change in the targets position is accountedfor by the dynamic calculations.

The computing element 16 determines the second range to the target T byadjusting the first range by a factor corresponding to the angle θ. Thefactor adjusts the first range to account for an estimated trajectory ofa projectile. Thus, the second range preferably represents a distancethe projectile must travel such that the estimated trajectory of theprojectile generally intersects with the target T. In contrast, thefirst range represents the length of an imaginary line between thedevice 10 and the target T, which is a substantially straight line, asdescribed above. As is known in the art, projectiles which are notself-propelled, such as bullets, golf balls, footballs, arrows, etc,move through air according to a generally parabolic (ballistic) curvedue primarily to the effects of gravity and air drag. In situationswhere the angle θ is zero, the parabolic movement of the projectile doesnot substantially affect the range calculation.

As shown in FIG. 5, in situations where the angle θ is non-zero, such aswhen the target T is positioned above or below the device 10, theparabolic movement of the projectile affects the range calculation, suchthat the projectile may have to travel a longer or shorter distance toreach the target T. The factor adjusts the first range to account forthe longer or shorter distance the projectile must travel to reach thetarget T due to the angle θ such that the second range is an accuraterepresentation to the user of the flat-ground distance the projectilemust travel to intersect the target T.

For example, a first range may be 100 yards which represents a straightline distance to a target, but with an angle of three degrees, a secondrange will be 104 yards, as determined by a calculation described belowin detail. The second range of 104 yards represents the flat-groundrange the projectile must travel such that its trajectory intersects thetarget at a position, as shown in FIG. 4 a. Thus, the second range doesnot represent the actual straight-line distance to the target as itincludes the larger or smaller distance the projectile must travel tointersect with target. For instance, if a user is 100 yards away from atarget and desires to hit a golf ball at the target, the user wouldattempt to strike the golf ball 100 yards. On flat ground, no additionalcomputation is needed and a golf ball struck to travel 100 yards willreach the target. However, on non-flat ground, such as when the angle θis three degrees for example, if the user strikes the golf ball totravel 100 yards as if on flat ground, the golf ball will fall short ofthe target due to the parabolic trajectory of the golf ball. Incontrast, if the user strikes the golf ball to reach the second range,104 yards as if on flat ground for example, the golf ball will not fallshort of the target as the trajectory of the golf ball will intersectwith the target due to the increased distance accounted for by thesecond range.

Referring to FIG. 6, The factor may be determined utilizing conventionaland well known algorithms or tables which account for the generallyparabolic movement of a projectile through air based on a source angleof the projectile. Preferably, the factor is determined based on theangle θ and a multiplier corresponding to the tangent of the angle θ.The factors, and associated information, as described below, may bestored in the memory 18 to facilitate and expedite calculations by thecomputing element 16.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the memory 18 may include a list of angles,corresponding multipliers, and factors which are determined by scalingthe multipliers based on the first range. For each angle, thecorresponding multiplier is equal to the tangent of the angle and isalso scaled based on the first range to determine the factor. Themultiplier is scaled such that if the first range is less than or equalto 100 yards, the multiplier is reduced to one-half such that the factorequals one-half the multiplier. If the first range is between 100 yardsand 140 yards, the factor will equal three-fourths of the multiplier. Ifthe range is greater than 140 yards, the multiplier is not scaled suchthat the factor equals the multiplier. For negative angles, themultiplier is equal to the negative of the multiplier for thecorresponding positive angle. Additionally, other scaling methods may beemployed which adjust the multipliers or factors to account for thechange in tangential value that occurs as a target approaches areference point, such as when the target T is relatively near the device10.

FIG. 7 presents an example table of first ranges and correspondingmultipliers, factors, and second ranges. The second ranges may bedetermined from the factors utilizing any formula or calculation whichaccounts for the trajectory of a projectile. Preferably, the secondranges are determined from the first ranges and factors using theformula:SecondRange=FirstRange+(Factor*FirstRange)

Although the factors of FIGS. 6 and 7 are presented and described asscaled or unscaled multipliers which are multiplied by the first rangeand then added to the first range to determine the second range, thefactors may be of any form or type which enables the trajectory of theprojectile to be accounted for by the second range. For instance,various mathematical equivalents may be determined which are generallysimilar to the multipliers, factors, and formulas described above andwhich perform generally the same operation. Additionally, the factorsmay be any equation, algorithm, or estimation which are performed toadjust the first range for the trajectory of the projectile.

Additionally, the computing element 16 may determine the second rangewithout utilizing factors, such as by utilizing the first range toestimate a full trajectory for the projectile and then modifying theestimated full trajectory based on the angle. However, it will beappreciated that utilizing factors expedites the determination of thesecond range as there is a generally finite number of useful angles andcorresponding factors which may be calculated in advance and stored inthe memory 18 such that the computing element 16 is not required toperform extensive or resource-consuming calculations to determine eachsecond range.

The factor may also be specifically determined for a desired projectileas projectiles having different shapes have different trajectories dueto drag. For instance, the generally parabolic trajectory for a golfball stuck with a golf club is substantially different than theballistic trajectory for a bullet fired from a firearm. Thus, it isdesirable to select a factor which corresponds to the utilizedprojectile due to the varying shapes of various projectiles. Forexample, a golfer would utilize a factor which corresponds to a golfball such that the trajectory of the golf ball is accurately accountedfor to maximize the accuracy of the second range calculation. The device10 may enable the user to select a desired projectile or desiredprojectile characteristic.

The factor and factors may be calculated by the computing element 16upon request by the computer program, such as at any time when thesecond range needs to be calculated. Additionally or alternatively, thefactors may be pre-stored in the memory 16 such that the factors do notneed to be specifically calculated by the computing element 16 andinstead may be determined by looking up the angle θ, correspondingfactor, and first range in the memory 16, such as within a look-uptable. Upon looking up the factor, the computing element 16 may multiplythe factor with the first range, as described above, to determine thesecond range. A comprehensive list of pre-stored angles, factors, firstranges, and second ranges may also be included in the memory 18 suchthat the computing element is not required to perform a multiplicationoperation for the second range calculation and instead the computingelement 16 may simply lookup the second range based on the stored angleand first range utilizing one or more look-up tables or other storagemethods.

The computing element 16 may additionally determine a desired change ingolf club selection. As described above, a user may attempt to strike agolf ball shorter or longer based on the second range which includes theaffects of the angle θ and the parabolic trajectory of the golf ball.Users often control how far a golf ball will travel based on a clubselection. For instance, a ball struck with a wedge may travel 100yards, while a ball struck with a 9-iron may travel 115 yards. The usermay provide specific club data and corresponding distance data and storesuch club data in the memory 18 to allow the computing element 16 toaccess the stored club data and determine a desired change in golf clubselection based on the second range or the difference between the firstrange and the second range.

However, the computing element 16 may determine a desired change in golfclub selection without requiring the user to input club data. Forexample, if the second range exceeds the first range by ten yards, thecomputing element 16 may determine that an extra club length is needed(e.g. an 7 iron versus a 8 iron), or if the second range exceeds thefirst range by thirty yards, the computing element 16 may determine thattwo extra club lengths are needed (e.g. a 6 iron versus a 8 iron).Similarly, the computing element 16 may compare the determined secondrange to the club data stored in the memory 16 and determine a desiredchange in club selection accordingly.

The memory 18 is coupled with the computing element 16 and is operableto store the computer program and data such as the factors describedabove. The memory 18 may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electro-magnetic, infrared, or semi-conductor system,apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific, although notinclusive, examples of the memory 18 include the following: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), anerasable, programmable, read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), anoptical fiber, a portable compact disc (CD), or a digital video disc(DVD). However, the memory 18 may be of any form operable to store thenecessary computer program and data.

The memory 18 may be integral with the computing element 16, such thatthe memory 18 and the computing element 16 are stored within or on thesame wafer, die, or package, or the memory 16 may be discrete with thecomputing element 16 such that the memory 18 and the computing element16 are stored on different wafers, dies, or packages. Additionally, thememory 18 may be coupled with other components, such as the range sensor12 and tilt sensor 14, to enable the other components to utilize thefunctionality provided by the memory 18. The memory 18 may also beaccessible by other external devices, such as conventional computingdevices, to enable data stored within the memory, such as the factors orthe computer program, to be easily accessed or modified by theconventional computing device.

The device 10 also preferably includes a display 30 to indicate relevantinformation such as the first range, the angle θ, the second range, theselected club, a reticle or other alignment element, the recommendedclub, and/or the recommended club change. The display 30 may be aconventional electronic display, such as a LED or LCD display.Preferably, the display 30 is viewed by looking through the eyepiece 22such that a user may align the target T and simultaneously view relevantinformation, as shown in FIG. 8. For instance, the user may look throughthe eyepiece 22, align the target T, view the target T, and generallysimultaneously view the display 30 to determine the first range, theangle θ, the second range, and/or other relevant information. Thegenerally simultaneous viewing of the target T and the relevantinformation enables the user to quickly and easily determine a pluralityof ranges to various targets by moving the device 10 in an appropriatedirection and dynamically viewing the change in the relevant informationon the display 30.

The portable housing 20 houses the range sensor 12, tilt sensor 14,computing element 16, and/or other desired elements such as the display30, one or more inputs 32, eyepiece 22, lens 24, laser emitter, laserdetector, etc. The portable housing 20 enables the device 10 be easilyand safely transported and maneuvered for convenient use in a variety oflocations. For example, the portable handheld housing 20 may be easilytransported in a golf bag for use on a golf course. Additionally, thelocation of the components on or within the housing 20, such as theposition of the eyepiece 22 on the proximate end 28 of the device 10,the position of the lens 24 on the distal end 26 of the device, and thelocation of the inputs 32, enables the device 10 to be easily andquickly operated by a user with one hand without a great expenditure oftime or effort.

In operation, a user selects a desired target, such as the target T. Thetarget T may be any physical target of which the range sensor 14 isoperable to determine the first range. For example, the target T may bea pin positioned on a golf green. The user may desire to know anaccurate range to the pin, or other such target, and thus which club touse. To determine the first range, angle, and the second range, the useraligns the device 10 with the target by looking through the eyepiece 22and directing the lens 24 towards the target T. By looking through theeyepiece 22, the user may view surrounding terrain in a substantiallyconventional manner utilizing conventional telescope or binocularcapabilities. A reticle or other aiming device may be provided by theeyepiece 22, lens 24, and/or display 30 to assist the user in aligningthe device, as is shown in FIG. 8.

The user may function the inputs 32 to control the operation of thedevice 10. For example, the user may activate the device 10, program itsfunctionality, store data, such as the club data described above, in thememory 18, and/or determine the first range, second range, and angle byfunctioning one or more of the inputs 32. For example, the user mayalign the target T by centering the reticle over the target T functionat least one of the inputs 32 to cause the range sensor 12 to determinethe first range. Alternatively, the range sensor 12 may dynamicallydetermine the first range for all aligned objects such that the user isnot required to function the inputs 32 to determine the first range.Similarly, the tilt sensor 14 may dynamically determine the angle θ forall aligned objects or the tilt sensor may determine the angle θ whenthe user functions at least one of the inputs 32.

The computing element 16 may continuously determine the second rangebased upon the dynamic first range and angle θ, or the computing element16 may determine the second range when the user functions at least oneof the inputs 32. Similarly, the computing element 16 may continuouslydetermine the desired change in club length based upon the determinedfirst range and second range, or the difference thereof, or thecomputing element 16 may determine the desired change in club lengthwhen the user functions at least one of the inputs 32.

The user preferably views the target T and relevant information, such asthe first range, the angle θ, the second range, the difference betweenthe first range and the second range, the desired change in club length,or any combination thereof, by looking through the eyepiece 22. As shownin FIG. 8, the user may view displayed information generallysimultaneously with the target T as the information is displayed inproximity to the reticle and target T. As discussed above, the relevantinformation may be dynamically displayed on the display 30 to enable theuser to simultaneously view the target T and the dynamic information.

Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it isnoted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as recited in theclaims.

1. An electronic device for determining a range to a target, the devicecomprising: a laser range sensor for determining a first range to thetarget; a tilt sensor for determining an angle to the target relative tothe device based on the orientation of the device; a computing element,coupled with the distance sensor and the tilt sensor, for determining asecond range by multiplying the first range by a factor corresponding tothe determined angle and adding the result to the first range, thesecond range being a representation of a flat-ground distance theprojectile must travel such that the projectile's trajectory intersectsthe target; and a display, coupled with the computing element, forindicating the first range and the second range.
 2. The device as setforth in claim 1, wherein the display additionally indicates thedetermined angle.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein thecomputing element additionally determines a desired change of a golfclub length which corresponds to the difference between the second rangeand the first range.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein thedisplay additionally indicates the change of the golf club length. 5.The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the target is at least aportion of a golf course.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 5, whereinthe target is at least a portion of a golf green.
 7. The device as setforth in claim 6, wherein the target is at least a portion of a pinpositioned on the golf green.
 8. The device as set forth in claim 1,further including a portable handheld housing for housing the laserrange sensor, the tilt sensor, the computing element, and the display.9. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tilt sensor is aninclinometer.
 10. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the factoradjusts the first range to account for an estimated trajectory of a golfball.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 10, wherein the second rangeis determined utilizing the factor such that the estimated trajectory ofthe golf ball intersects the target.
 12. The device as set forth inclaim 1, further including a memory for storing a look-up table having aplurality of angles and corresponding factors.
 13. The device as setforth in claim 12, wherein the factor is determined by looking up thedetermined angle in the look-up table.
 14. The device as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the computing element determines the second range bymultiplying the first range by the factor.